January 5th – Ephesians 6:14
Ephesians 6:14
Anxiety is dread, fear, or a strong desire to avoid or escape a circumstance, feeling, or emotion. It can weaken our faith and keep us from being the strong Christians we are called to be. Satan wants to keep us crippled and ineffective in our Christian lives. He has declared war on God’s people. And he wants to intimidate us so that we tuck our tail and run or hide. But God knows that in this spiritual battle, we need His help to be victorious. And He doesn’t want us to cower against the attacks of our enemy.
Instead, we are to stand and be protected in battle. How? By providing “Spiritual Armor” to keep us safe. The first item we must take up and wrap around us is the “belt of truth”. Upon this belt our other armor and weapons are secured. Because deception is Satan’s specialty, we must seek to know the truth that God teaches us through His Word. This exposes the Enemy’s lies which are meant to confuse and trouble us.
Anxiety can make us full of doubt and insecurity. And it’s true that in our own effort, we can never be wise enough, strong enough or good enough to be righteous, no matter how hard we try. But God imputed His righteousness to us through the salvation of Jesus.
The “breastplate of righteousness” is the second piece of armor, secured by the belt of truth. It protects the most vital parts of us and keeps us spiritually alive. Our joy is the eternal life imparted to us by the righteousness of God that can never be destroyed. We are not helpless, worthless or defeated. We are children of the most High God and no matter what comes at us, we are called to be battle ready. In Christ….we can stand and face any circumstance. God will enable us.
Today I challenge you to prepare for battle by putting on your spiritual armor. Have the mindset of an empowered Christian. For God wants you to be confident and able to stand against whatever the enemy tries to attack you with. And remember, you are not alone. For you have the Holy Spirit to guide you!
Blessings, Becky
